With high expectations, I was all prepared to make Neko Case my pick of the week until I listened to the album. While Case’s artistry and voice remain top notch, it seems the album must have been recorded at the bottom of a well or in a deep dark cave. I’m guessing this is an intentional effect as it is a reminiscient sound of ’60s era country but to me it ruins an otherwise excellent album.
Instead, The Little Willies, a band originally conceived as a Willie Nelson cover band in NYC’s Lower East Side, earn my new release pick of the week. Comprised of Lee Alexander, Jim Campilongo, Norah Jones, Richard Julian and Dan Rieser, The Little Willies are a result of just pluckin’ around as they did in NYC club The Living Room over the last several years. The songs have been expanded beyond Willie Nelson into songs by Hank Williams, Townes Van Zandt, Kris Kristofferson and a few originals. I think you’ll find this album immensely fun. Witness album opener “Roly Poly” Bob Will’s ode to a toddler and closer “Lou Reed” who in this narrative is found tipping cows in a pasture.
New release pick of the week:
The Little Willies
The Little Willies
(Milking Bull Records/EMI)
americana, country
Other notable releases for week of March 7, 2006 from:
Neko Case, Wood Brothers, Stereolab, Pinmonkey, Kris Kristofferson, Mark Erelli, Billy Bragg, Mogwai, Van Morrison, Tres Chicas, Jesse Dayton, Lee Roy Parnell, Jace Everett, Exene Cervenka & the Original Sinners and James Hunter
About the author: Washington, D.C. area creative by day. Music is my muse. I host Twangville’s weekly Readers‘ Pick.